Playing Contemporary Styles – A workshop led by Alex Bezzina

In 2007 Alex received a scholarship from The Janatha Stubbs Foundation and moved
to London to focus on his studies in Jazz and Contemporary Music. He achieved B.Mus.(Hons.) from London Centre of Contemporary Music and MA (Music) from Middlesex University. Before moving to London, Alex also studied classical music gaining LLCM in trumpet performance and AMusLCM in harmony and theory.

Alex credits ranges from:
Music Director for concerts organized by the Malta High Commission in London and
the Young Diplomats in London (YDL) in venues such as Marlborough House, Europe House and St James’s Church Piccadilly
Music Director for Big Band Brothers JNR.
Guest trumpeter and arranger for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
Lead Trumpet player for the Big Band Brothers
Co-wrote with Funkshone and released an album “2” with Skyline records (UK) & PVine
(Japan) aired on BBC Radio 6.
UK tour with 6 Day Riot including Glastonbury and Green Man Festival. Released with Blam! Jazz Quartet, 2 albums “Blam!” and “Attached/Detached”featuring original and arranging work.
Other performing credits include Reuben Richard, the Black Hat Band, Paul Abela,
Fernando’s Kitchen and various London-based Jazz big bands playing in venues
such as the London Jazz Café, Ray Jazz, Hideaway, Savoy and others.

Alex also works as a composer and arranger and his portfolio includes compositions
and arrangements for jazz combo, brass quintet, large ensemble and orchestral
writing.

Alex holds the position of Academic Quality Consultant, Module Leader and
Guest Tutor for London Centre of Creative Media. Recently appointed as brass tutor
for the Degree Plus at the University of Malta.

Alex was introduced to music by St Anthony’s Band Club Birkirkara and is looking
forward to be involved in this consortium of band clubs to share experience and
promote music to new generations. He will be leading a workshop about contemporary styles, including Bright Swing, Slow and Easy Blues, Groovy riffs, Dixieland, Rock N Roll and others. These are styles and genres which modern wind bands are currently being challenged with. Alex will bring in various tunes which challenge these styles and will discuss and demonstrate how to articulate phrases, the importance of the back beat and the appropriate feel and sound needed to achieve a good overall performance. During the workshop, he will also provide a list of artists that are associated with the styles covered and will stress the importance of listening and transcribing.